For many the idea of doing a guest blog is fresh, new maybe somewhat strange. The discussion of how this features as against article directories is in the air but sounds a déjà vu, with other optional arguments that have gone on regarding what is better for SEO.
Article directories provided a great new avenue for the accumulation of quality content. The authors name would be positioned at the bottom with the hope that the author would enjoy a click from a reader after he had provided quality information to readers with an article. Some of the many benefits of article directories are enhanced traffic to the website, Placement before a fairly precise target group, being listened to as an expert, online publicity with new groups, advertising that does not cost, archiving of ones material enjoying infinite possibilities, information spread almost instantly through the internet with changes in the popularity of links. The understanding of keyword rich text, and what it could do for a ranking of a site boosted article directories even further. This also caused a pervasive culture of article of just junk quality. While this did result in the perception of article directories being affected negatively the benefits remain to date.
The entry of guest blogging and the popularity of other social media gave fresh opportunities for professionals to share their knowledge with other interested in silimilar subjects. Both organizations as well as individuals found tremendous benefits in publishing of blogs. These benefits are not very different from those experienced with article directories. Blogging being fresh and new the problems that are being experienced with article directories might not be present. That is currently. There is no saying whether this honeymoon period will extend to the next two or three years. The beginning of such problems has already appeared in the horizon with spammers getting on the job of manipulating ping backs and track backs. The dark outer linings that began to appear with SEO and article directories appear to be converging on blogs as well. The concern about duplicate content is not unique to article directories alone. There are records of blogs being duplicated in total on scraper sites within minutes of the original appearing.
Should there be concern. Possibly yes, but not panic. The fact of the matter is article directories have not lost its potential for search engine advantages as some might claim it. While there is no question that the quality of links provided by article directories have been adversely affected these only account for a single source of the links. When you view article directories as launching pad and not quite the final destination, then you begin to understand the goal is to have a particular article picked and reposted on sites with authority. The link benefit arises from there.
The conclusion is that it need not be a directory article vs. guest blog dueling rather two roads two the same goal.
Written by Atniz
Topics: Article Marketing